Anzac Day Commemorations Face Disruption
An incident at an Anzac Day dawn service in Perth has sparked national attention, as a group was removed from the event after being identified as part of an issue-motivated group. The moment was captured on camera, revealing the tensions that have emerged around the commemorative ceremonies.
WA Police took action by blocking 15 individuals they believed to be affiliated with ‘issue-motivated groups’ from attending the dawn services in the city. This decision came in response to previous disruptions at similar events in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, where hecklers were seen booing during Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The booing drew strong criticism from First Nations leaders, RSL officials, and state premiers, who called the behavior disrespectful and contrary to the spirit of Anzac Day. These sentiments highlight the deep respect many Australians hold for the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.
A right-wing group known as Fight for Australia, previously called March for Australia, appeared to claim responsibility for the disruptions. Organiser Bec Freedom shared a video on social media showing the group’s interaction with police in Perth. In the footage, an officer explains that the group is being removed due to concerns about potential disruption.
“Due to your association with the March for Australia group and their actions in the eastern states, you are being removed from the ceremony due to the belief you will interrupt it,” the officer says.
The officer continued, “If you fail to leave, you will be arrested and you will be taken to Perth Watch House. Your association to that group has unfortunately ruined your opportunity to remain at the ceremony today.”
Earlier in the week, Bec Freedom had encouraged followers to express disapproval of Welcome to Country ceremonies on Anzac Day, suggesting they do so in “whichever way they see fit.” March for Australia has been linked to several anti-immigration rallies across the country, some of which have included neo-Nazi speakers and attendees.
On Sunday, WA Police confirmed that 15 formal move-on orders were issued across the state, with 14 in metropolitan Perth and one in regional WA. No arrests were made during these incidents.
“Anzac services are not the time or place for disruption, provocation or criminal behaviour of any kind,” the force stated. “In relation to the dawn service, a total of 15 move-on orders were issued across WA. No arrests were made. The individuals involved were identified as members of issue-motivated groups.”
WA Police emphasized that the behavior observed was representative of a fringe minority and not reflective of the broader community. “These actions reflect the behaviour of a small minority and do not represent the values of the overwhelming majority of people who attended Anzac Day services respectfully across Western Australia,” the statement said.
Police also thanked the community for conducting themselves in a respectful and dignified manner during the commemorations. They stressed their role in protecting the dignity of the events, maintaining public safety, and ensuring that the community could pay their respects without disruption.
In Sydney, a 24-year-old man was arrested at the Martin Place dawn service after a small but vocal group booed during the Welcome to Country. NSW police stated the man was arrested for an alleged act of nuisance and would face charges related to booing at the cenotaph site.
Victoria Police confirmed similar incidents occurred at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. The behavior of some Australians who booed elders, including those who had fought for the nation, was described as disrespectful by Katie Kiss, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner.
“Australians are starting to stand up to that and we saw that yesterday in the thousands of people who stood with our elders during what was a disgraceful display of vilification,” she told ABC News.
Kiss added that it remains the prerogative of Traditional Owners and event organizers to decide whether an Acknowledgement of Country is appropriate.
